Owner of Up the Creek in Keyport Dies

James M. Groome, 59, of Hazlet passed away Sunday December 18, 2011 at Meridian Nursing and Rehabilitation in Shrewsbury. Born in Newark, he lived in Keyport for 20 years before moving to Hazlet one year ago.

He owned Up the Creek restaurant in Keyport, and managed the bar there. He was a Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus in Keyport for three terms, and managed the bar there as well. He was on the Board of Health in Keyport, and on the Matawan Borough Fire Dept.

James was a wonderful father, and had a heart of gold. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

James was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Anna MacFarland Groome; and his son, Michael Quattlebaum.

He is survived by his wife, Loretta of 42 years; his children, Betty Ann Fetta, John Quattlebaum, Donna Quattlebaum, Terry Stultz, Harold Smith and Thomas Smith; a brother, John Groome and his wife Rosemary of Hazlet; 3 sisters, Helen Noll of Bloomfield, Margaret Flanagan of Bloomfield, and Anna Groome of Middletown, a nephew Jason Groome and his wife Danielle of Barnegat; 11 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, 2 great nieces, and 1 great nephew.

Family and friends are invited Tuesday, December 20th, 2011, 2-4 & 6-9PM at Day Funeral Home, 361 Maple Place, Keyport; and Wednesday, 8:30AM, with a 9:30AM Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Family RC Church, Union Beach.

Entombment to follow at Holmdel Mausoleum, Holmdel.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Cancer Society. To offer the family online condolences or for directions to the funeral home, please visit www.dayfuneralhome.com.  

Charitable donations may be made in James's memory to the following organization:

American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org
30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701
Tel: 800 952 7430 x4712